The Jackson 5

Released: August 26, 1972

Songwriter: Carole King

Producer: The Corporation

[Verse 1: Michael Jackson & (The Jacksons)]
When you're down and troubled
And you need some love and care
And nothing, no, nothing is going right
Here's what you do
Just keep your head together (Together), together, baby
And call my name out loud
Soon you'll hear me knocking, knocking at your door
Yes I will, yes I will

[Chorus: Michael Jackson & (The Jacksons)]
You just call (Call) out my name (Out my name)
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running, yeah, yeah, to see you again
Oh, winter, spring, summer or fall, oh yeah
All you've got to do is call
And I'll be there, I'll be there (I'll be there)
Yes, I will, oh

[Bridge: Michael Jackson & (The Jacksons)]
Ain't it good to know that you've got a friend?
People can be so cold, oh yeah
They'll hurt you (They'll hurt you), yeah
And they'll desert you (And desert you), uh-uh
And take your soul if you let them
But don't you let them
No no no, don't let them, ooh ooh

[Chorus: Michael Jackson & (The Jacksons)]
Winter, spring, summer or fall, oh yeah
All you've got to do is call
And I'll be there, I'll be there (I'll be there)
Yes, I will, oh

[Outro: Michael Jackson]
You've got a friend, yes you do
You've got a friend, yes you do
Right to the end, I know you, hey
You've got a friend, yes you do
You've got a friend, yes you do
To the end, I know you, hey
Thank you

The Jackson 5 were originally formed in 1963 under the name, The Jackson Brothers. The founding members were Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon. Michael would join the group as the lead singer a year later, a move which pushed Jermaine to sing the backing vocals and play the lead guitar.

After participating in a series of talent shows, they entered the professional music scene in 1967, signing with Steeltown Records and releasing ten singles. In 1969, they left Steeltown Records in order to sign with Motown.

In 1975, most of the Jacksons had opted out of recording any more music for Motown, expressing desires to have creative control over their songs, as well as royalties. Learning that they were earning only 2.8% of royalties from Motown, Joe Jackson, the father and manager of the group, began to negotiate a lucrative contract with Epic records, which offered a royalty rate of 20% per record. The deal was completed in June 1975. As Motown owned the name The Jackson 5, the group simply renamed themselves The Jacksons.

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